STORY
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has urged striking bin workers in Birmingham to accept a “significantly improved” pay offer to end the ongoing industrial action that has left the city’s streets overflowing with uncollected waste. The strike, initiated by members of the Unite union on 11 March 2025, has resulted in over 21,000 tonnes of rubbish accumulating across Birmingham, raising serious public health concerns.
During a visit to Birmingham on April 10, Rayner, accompanied by Local Government Minister Jim McMahon, met with council leader John Cotton and volunteers working to clear the waste backlog. She emphasised the need to prioritise residents’ well-being, stating, “This dispute is causing misery and disruption to residents, and the backlog must be dealt with quickly to address public health risks.”
Rayner highlighted the government’s efforts to support Birmingham City Council in resolving the crisis, including deploying additional vehicles and crews from neighbouring authorities and providing logistical assistance. She called on Unite to suspend the strike and accept the council’s latest offer, asserting, “There is a significantly improved offer on the table for the workers, and I’m urging Unite to suspend their action and to accept that offer.”
The dispute centres on the council’s decision to eliminate the Waste Recycling and Collection Officer role, a move aimed at addressing equal pay liabilities. Unite contends that this change could lead to pay cuts of up to £8,000 for some workers. Despite the council’s revised proposal, Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, expressed reservations, stating that the offer lacks sufficient pay protection and could result in significant financial losses for affected employees.
Residents have voiced frustration over the prolonged strike, reporting increased sightings of vermin and concerns about potential health risks. The accumulation of waste has led to reports of rats “the size of cats” and fears of diseases such as Leptospirosis. As the strike approaches its fifth week, the situation remains tense. Unite has scheduled a ballot for its members to vote on the council’s latest offer, with results expected soon. The outcome will determine whether the industrial action continues or if steps toward resolution can commence.